What is radial meniscus?

Radial meniscal tears are a category of meniscal tear where the tear extends radially from the free edge of a meniscus across its short axis.

Do radial meniscus tears require surgery?

In general, it’s better to fix the meniscus than to remove it. Some types of tears can’t be fixed. For example, radial tears sometimes can be fixed, but it depends on where they are. But most horizontal, long-standing, and degenerative tears—those caused by years of wear and tear—can’t be fixed.

Can a radial meniscus tear heal on its own?

Radial Tear: Radial tears of the meniscus are the most common. These appear as small tears in the inner part of the meniscus. These tears occur in the avascular part of the meniscus (where there is no blood supply) and, as a result, have little ability to heal on their own.

What is a radial tear of the medial meniscus?

Radial tears are tears that originate from the more central region of the meniscus and extend outwards towards the peripheral edges. Because of their orientation, radial tears disrupt the circumferential protein fibers that allow the meniscus to absorb forces.

Where is the radial meniscus?

Is a radial meniscus tear degenerative?

Radial and horizontal tears are degenerative meniscal tears presenting in old age.

How do you get a radial meniscus tear?

Radial tears result in the disruption of the circumferential fibers causing inability of the native meniscus to resist normal hoop stresses, thereby leading to increased focal areas of pressure that cause complications such as early onset arthrosis.

Is a radial meniscus tear painful?

Symptoms of a radial meniscus tear may include: Significant pain. Limited motion. Swelling.

What causes a radial tear?

Radial tears of the meniscus can result from trauma or degenerative changes and they can occur anywhere in either meniscus. Radial tears of the lateral meniscus have been reported as a result of sports injuries in young patients.

How long does it take for a radial meniscus tear to heal?

Meniscus tears are the most frequently treated knee injuries. Recovery will take about 6 to 8 weeks if your meniscus tear is treated conservatively, without surgery.

What does a radial meniscus tear feel like?

People who tear a meniscus often feel like something has popped in their knee at the time of the injury. Other symptoms include: Feeling like your knee might give out beneath you. Having knee pain or stiffness or a swollen knee.

What is the most common meniscus tear?

A posterior horn tear is the most common. The meniscus is broken down into the outer, middle, and inner thirds. The third in which the tear is located will determine the ability of the tear to heal, since blood supply in that area is critical to the healing process.